Excited to announce that second-year students of the Department of Chinese Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have achieved historic success in the latest international Chinese language proficiency examinations. This marks a major milestone for the Department of Chinese Studies and elevates the standard of Chinese language education in Nigeria.
In a letter addressed to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, the Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Zhanbao Chukwudi Yu, expressed profound appreciation for the university’s leadership and support.
“According to Chinese Testing International, a total of 36 sophomore students took the test, and all passed, resulting in a remarkable 100% pass rate, setting a new record for our department. The students achieved an impressive average score of 250.4, surpassing the global average of 205.89 by 44.51 points. Our department’s performance ranked 68th globally,” he wrote.
The institute also posted remarkable results in the HSKK Intermediate Speaking Test. Out of the 37 students who took the exam, 28 passed, translating to a 75.7% success rate. The department’s average score of 64.14 surpassed the global benchmark of 55.04. Notably, 18% of the students earned an “Excellent” rating by scoring above 270 points, placing the department among the top 39 institutions worldwide.
Additionally, students attained a 100% pass rate in the HSK Level 4 exam, with scores well above the global average — a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence.
This achievement and success reinforces the vision of Prof. Ikechebelu to position UNIZIK as a centre of academic excellence. He has since commended the Confucius Institute and the Department of Chinese Studies for their outstanding achievements and reiterated the university’s continued support for the program.
Established in 2006 following its approval by the university senate in 2005, the Chinese Studies program at UNIZIK was the first of its kind in West Africa. Nearly two decades later, it continues to lead in developing linguistic proficiency and promoting cross-cultural exchange.
These recent results mark a significant step forward in the institute’s mission to develop globally competitive talent and strengthen Nigeria–China educational ties.
UNIZIK continues to Shine
Best Performance in 19 Years: UNIZIK’s Department of Chinese Studies Break the Record in HSK Level 4 and HSKK Intermediate Exams
